FAQ's about the Media Center
Why purchase a resource that you might use only once?
The Greater New Jersey Conference Media and Resource Center has 3,000 DVDs, VHS tapes, studies, CDs, and other materials for you to borrow, preview and/or use, and return. Talk about good stewardship!
Do we have to be United Methodist?
No. The Center is open to all churches, regardless of denomination.
How Do I Use the Media Center?
First, check our catalog (see the link on the menu on the left-hand side of this page) to view available resources. OR you may call Janet at 732-359-1020, or toll free at 1-877-677-2594, ext. 1020, and ask her to help you in selecting a resource.
Once you have chosen something to borrow, you have two options:
1) Rent a resource at $5 per item. The charge helps us pay for shipping materials to you, and the change goes to support the Center. You will pay to return ship the materials to us.
2) Get a yearly subscription to the Media & Resource Center. Subscriptions run from $45 to $65, depending upon the size of your congregation. Non-United Methodist Churches pay from $50-$70 per year. A yearly subscription entitles you to unlimited rental of materials and shipment. You only pay to return ship the items to the Center. Yearly subscriptions not only help to pay shipping costs, but also add to the funds budgeted for the purchase new materials
How Long May I Keep a Resource?
If you are choosing a study, you will be able to have the resource for the length of the study (6, 8, or more weeks), plus about two weeks before your start date and one week after your end date.
If you request a resource for a one-time event or to preview or read, you may have it for 2-4 weeks.
What If I Want to Keep the Resource Longer?
Call the Media Center and request a renewal. It is usually possible to keep the material for a longer period, unless someone else has requested it.
Do We Need to Come to the Center?
While we encourage those close to the center to come in and pick up materials, we recognize that we are living in an era of increasingly high gasoline prices. The center will ship materials by UPS to your church a few days prior to your scheduled use. Last minute calls are discouraged, but if there is an emergency, UPS allows us to get material to you within one day.
What If I Can?t Find a Resource?
If you cannot find a title call the center at 1-877-677-2594, ext. 1020 or email Janet: media(at)gnjumc.org
What Other Services Are Offered?
The staff will help you find the right resources for your program needs.
The staff will help you select curriculum for your church school.
The staff will visit your church or group to introduce or update you on the Center, its materials, and how it can help you with your ministries.
Email: media(at)gnjumc.org or call toll free: 1-877-677-2594, ext. 1020.